Susan Campbell, who has worked in the food business for 25 years, said she saw the vacant Tyson’s Restaurant building as an opportunity to have her own diner.

“What drew me was the chance to have the Beardstown community be able to enjoy the same things that the two previous owners offered, especially homemade root beer, pizza burgers and cheddar crisp. All I hear from former Tyson’s customers is ‘Are you going to have those items again?’”

Susan Campbell said she will keep much of the old Tyson’s menu but will add her own twist to the diner’s offerings.

Growing up near the Illinois River in Browning, she wants her restaurant, which will be called Tyson’s Diner, to feature Illinois River fish, namely catfish and buffalo.

“My family are commercial fishermen, and they will supply me with fresh fish,” she said.

Susan Campbell and her family and friends will prepare the diner’s food.

“I enjoy cooking and being around people,” Susan Campbell said. “I’ve met and made friends with a lot of people over the years through my work in the food business. My bosses and co-workers taught me a lot at the various places I’ve worked, and I want to have the opportunity to make new friends at my new business.”

She believes the restaurant could give Beardstown’s economy a boost.

“I believe that reopening Tyson’s will help the community,” Susan Campbell said. “It was a popular place to eat for many years and I want to make it a popular spot again.”

She also wants the diner to be a workplace for teens.

“It’s hard for teenagers to find a job, and I want to provide not only the job opportunity but a chance for them to build a good work ethic,” Susan Campbell said.

Currently, the Campbells are updating the restaurant’s kitchen and hope to have all work completed by the end of June.

When everything is ready, Tyson’s Diner will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Greg Olson can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1224, or on Twitter @JCNews_Greg.